Five-year deal reportedly worth $700m (£522m)
Apple has sealed a five-year deal to become F1’s US broadcast partner.
The streamer has spent $700m (£522m), according to the Financial Times, on the agreement, which will begin in 2026. This investment comes after Apple-backed feature film F1 The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, has grossed nearly $630m (£470m) globally to date.
F1 will be available as part of a regular Apple TV subscription, unlike its MLS coverage, which requires a supplementary subscription. In addition to broadcasting the racing series, Apple will also amplify its visibility across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+.
Apple TV will host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix. Select races and all Free Practice sessions throughout the season will also be available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.
F1 TV Premium, F1’s own content offering, will continue to be available in the U.S. via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe.
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said: “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we can continue to maximise our growth potential in the U.S. with the right content and innovative distribution channels.
“We are no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1 The Movie, which has already proven to be a huge hit around the world.
“We have a shared vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the U.S. and entice new fans through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach to keep them hooked.
“I want to thank Tim Cook [Apple’s CEO], Eddy Cue [Apple’s senior vice president of services], and the entire Apple team for their vision, enthusiasm and passionate approach to delivering this partnership, and we are looking forward to the next five years together.”
Cue said: “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet.
“2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1 from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world, and we look forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can.”
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